Creation Covenant Alliance

Making AI Sustainable: The Role of Data Centers

AI's growth strains UK's electrical grid, urging reforms for sustainable solutions in data centers to manage energy demand.

AI Growth Puts Strain on UK’s Electrical Infrastructure

A single ChatGPT query uses ten times more energy than a Google search, prompting key figures, such as National Grid CEO John Pettigrew, to call for reforms to ease the burden on the UK’s electrical infrastructure amid the growth of artificial intelligence (AI).

Need for Sustainable Power Solutions for Data Centers

At the same time, environmental regulations are compelling data centers to reduce their energy consumption. As a result, these centers are exploring renewable energy as a potential solution to lower grid load and minimize carbon emissions. However, the introduction of alternative energy sources like solar and wind is intricate and necessitates meticulous planning and execution.

Digital Twins as Potential Solution

Before implementing significant changes, facilities can leverage digital twins to support their designs and operations. These virtual replicas of physical data centers can simulate designs based on new energy solutions, ensuring compatibility and efficiency before actual implementation. It’s crucial to comprehend why digital twins are needed in a world increasingly dominated by AI.

Data Centers Face Capacity Crisis

Data centers are already grappling with immense capacity strain. With AI’s rapid progress, this issue is exacerbated. According to CBRE, European data center demand (511MW) surpassed supply (467MW) across the five largest European markets in 2023. Moreover, power use effectiveness (PUE) scores, indicating a data center’s energy usage efficiency, are stagnant, with many scores locked at 1.5, leading to a significant waste of energy.

AI’s Impact on Energy Demand

The massive storage and processing power required by AI algorithms are expected to surge in the coming years, attributing a significant part of the anticipated GW increase to AI. As AI continues its upward trajectory, these numbers will only increase.

The Sustainability Challenge

Data centers consume large amounts of energy and water, with an average data center using 3-5 million gallons of water daily, equivalent to the water usage of a city with up to 50,000 residents. This, along with the growing demand for energy, is increasing public scrutiny on these facilities, leading to public rejection of new data center plans.

Regulations and Renewable Energy

Legislation changes mean companies relying on data centers will now be held accountable for their carbon usage. The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will mandate large corporations to report on their direct and indirect carbon usage.

Role of Digital Twins in Achieving Sustainability

Digital twins can help modern data centers meet sustainability standards, comply with regulatory requirements, and cater to AI’s growing power demands. They can be used to assess cooling techniques’ effectiveness and efficiency in managing the higher power densities associated with AI technologies. Furthermore, digital twins are crucial for unlocking renewable energy sources’ full potential in broader data center operations.

Driving Sustainable AI Growth

Traditional energy sources alone may not support AI’s growth sustainably. However, digital twins can guide organizations in optimizing resource use across the entire facility, saving significant energy. This can reduce energy demand strain while providing a clear view of their environmental impact, enabling data centers to handle AI’s challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable digital future.

Original Story at www.datacenterknowledge.com

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024